BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 

THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


CONSTITUTION     ^, 

AND  ™^  ^ 


BY-LAWS 

OF 

THE 


Virginia  City,  Nevada 
Miners'  Union  No.  46 

OF  THE 

Western  Federation  of  Miners 


VIRGINIA  CITY.  NEVADA 


RENO: 
NEVADA     PRESS 


CONSTITUTION 

AND 

BY-LAWS 

OF 

THE ^ 


Virginia  City,  Nevada 
Miners'  Union  No.  46 

OF  THE 

Western  Federation  of  Miners 


VIRGINIA  CITY.  NEVADA 


RENO: 

NEVADA     PRESS 

1911 


PREAMBLE 


Whereas,  In  view  of  the  fearfully-hazard- 
ous nature  of  our  vocation,  the  premature 
old  age  and  many  ills,  the  result  of  our  un- 
natural toil;  and  whereas,  a  Society,  which 
would  ena'ble  the  Miner  to  be  his  own  bene- 
factor, would  also  relieve  the  Ct)rporations 
on  the  Comstock;  and  whereas,  it  is  profit- 
able to  retain  skilled  and  experienced  labor 
when  its  demand  is  sig-nificant  in  proportion 
to  the  benefit  to  be  derived  from  it;  and, 
whereas,  we  should  cultivate  an  acquaint- 
ance with  out  fellows,  in  order  that  we  may 
be  the  better  enabled  to  form  an  undivided 
opposition  to  acts  of  injustice:  Therefore,  we, 
the  Miners  of  Virgrinia,  have  resolved  to 
form  an  Association  for  the  promotion  and 
protection  of  our  common  interests,  and 
have  adopted  the  annexed  Constitution  and 
By-laws  for  its  guidance;  for  united  we 
possess  strength.  Let  us,  then  act  justly 
and  fear  not. 


MUCROFfUBRABY 

CONSTITUTION 


ARTICLE   I 


Section  1.  This  association  shall  be 
known  by  the  name  and  title  of  "The  Vir- 
ginia City,  Nevada.  Miners'  Union,  No  46,  of 
the  Western  Federation  of  Miners,"  and 
shall  be  composed  of  all  persons  working  in 
and  around  the  mines,  mills  and  smelters, 
who  shall  be  admitted  to  membership, 
agreeable  to  the  articles  and  provisions  of 
this  Constitution. 

Sec.  2.  This  Union  cannot  be  dissolved 
so  long  as  twenty-five  (25)  members  in 
good  standing  object  thereto. 

Sec,  3.  The  objects  of  this  Union  shall 
be  the  practice  of  those  virtues  that  elevate 
and  adorn  society,  and  remind  man  of  his 
duty  to  his  fellow  man;  the  elevation  of  the 
position  and  maintainance  of  the  rights  of 
the  workers. 

ARTICLE   II 

Section  1.  All  candidates  for  admission 
must  be  workers  of  a  good,  moral  character, 
of  Virginia  and  vicinity,  who  imay  become 
members  of  this  Union  by  paying  the  initia- 
tion fee  of  $5. CO,  and  being  duly  elected  ac- 
cording  to  the  provisions  of  this  Constitu- 
tion and  By-Laws. 


Sec.  2  lEvery  member,  at  the  time  of  his 
initiation,  shall  subscribe  and  sign  his  name 
to  this  Constitution. 

Sec.  3.  Every  candidate  for  membership 
must  be  proposed  by  one  memiber,  and  sec- 
ended  by  another,  who  can  speak  knowingly 
as  to  his  character,  at  a  stated  meeting 
of  the  Union;  and  he  shall  be  elected  by 
acclamation. 

Provided:  That  if  two  members  present 
object  to  the  applicant's  election,  a  ballot 
shall  then  be  taken.  If  the  applicant  re- 
ceives three  (3)  black  balls,  the  presiding 
officer  shall  declare  him  rejected.  The  ap- 
plicant if  rejected  may  renew  his  applica- 
tion on  the  expiration  of  ninety  (90)   days. 

Sec.  4  All  members  of  this  Union  who 
have  been  such  for  a  period  of  ifiifteen  (15) 
years  or  over,  and  who  are  sixty  (60)  years 
of  age  or  over  and  incapacitated  from  per- 
forming manual  labor,  or  hopelessly  insane, 
shall  be  declared  Honorary  Members  of  this 
Union,  and  as  sucii  shall  be  entitled  to  all 
the  privileges  and  benefits  of  the  Union. 

ARTICLE  III 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  Union  shall 
consist  of  a  President,  Vifee-President, 
Treasurer,  Se<;retary,  Conductor,  Warden, 
and  Finance  Committee  of  three,  who  shall 
serve  for  the  term  of  six  months  and  who 
shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  and  none  shall  be 
elected  but  by  a  majority  of  votes  cast. 

There  shall  be  a  board  of  three  (3)  Trus- 
tees,   who   shall   serve   for  a  term  of  twelve 


months,  and  who  shall  be  elected  by  a  ma- 
jority of  all  votes  cast,  at  the  election  in 
June  of  each  year. 

Sec.  2.  All  officers  shall  be  clear  of  'finan- 
cial charges  on  the  books  of  the  Union, 
thirty  days  prior  to  their  election  or  ap- 
pointment. 

Sec.  3.  Vacancies  occuring  in  any  office 
may  be  filled  by  appointment  of  the  Presi- 
dent. Such  appointment  to  'be  subject  to 
the  approval  of  the  Union. 

ARTICLE  IV 

Section  1.  'This  Union  shall  have  the 
power  to  levy  upon  its  members,  for  extra- 
ordinary purposes,  such  tax  or  sums  as  may 
be  at  the  time  necessary;  which  tax  shall 
not,  at  any  time,  exceed  the  sum  of  five  per 
cent,  on  the  wages,  or  earnings  of  any  of 
its  members. 

Sec.  2.  All  officers  and  members  are 
hereby  prohibited  from  contracting  any  bills 
on  behalf  of  this  Union  for  a  greater  sum 
than  the  amount  of  ten  ($10.00)  dollars.  All 
bills  contracted  for  the  legitimate  expenses 
of  the  Union  above  the  amount  herein  speci- 
fied, shall  be  by  and  with  the  consent  of 
the  Union. 

ARTICLE  V 

Section  1  The  funds  of  this  Union  can- 
not be  divided  in  any  manner  among  the 
members,  but  shall  remain  the  property  of 
the    Union    for    its    legitimate    purposes,   and 


no  donations  shall  he  made,  so  long  as  fifty 
members  are  willing  to  continue  in  it. 

Sec.  2.  'Benefits  shall  be  regulated  by  the 
By-Ijaws  of  the  Union. 

Sec.  3.  All  funds  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer,  over  and  above  three  hundred 
($300.00)  dollars  shall  be  deposited  in  some 
suitable  bank,  which  shall  be  designated  by 
a  majority  vote  of  all  the  members  present 
in  good  standing  at  the  first  regular  meeting 
of  the  Union,  after  notice  has  been  given  that 
steps  will  be  taken  to  make  such  deposit. 

Sec.  4.  The  deposit  shall  be  placed  to  the 
credit  of  the  "Trustees  of  the  Virginia  City, 
Nevada,   Miners   Union." 

Sec.  5  No  portion  of  said  deposit  shall  be 
drawn  out  of  any  bank  except  by  an  order 
of  the  Union  made  by  a  two -thirds  vote  at 
a  regular  meeting  upon  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees attested  by  the  seal  of  the  Union  to- 
gether with  the  counter  signatures  of  the 
Pi-esident   and   Secretary. 

Sec.  6  Should  the  deposit  be  made  in  any 
bank  outside  the  limits  of  this  State,  the 
Trustees,  President,  and  Secretary,  shall 
forward  their  own  proper  signatures,  to- 
gether with  the  attestation  of  a  Notary 
Public  or  Comimissioner  of  Deeds,  as  to 
their  genuineness,  the  expenses  of  the  same 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Union. 

ARTICLE  VI 

Section  1.  Any  member  of  the  Union  who 
shall,   in   any   way,   violate   any  of  the  prin- 


ciples  of  this  Union,  or  offend  against  any 
article  or  section  of  this  Constitution,  By- 
Laws,  or  Rules  of  Order,  shall  be  fined,  sus- 
pended, or  expelled,  as  the  By-Daws  or  Con- 
stitution may  direct  or  the  Union  may  de- 
termine. 

Sec.  2.  Every  member  shall  be  entitled  to 
a  fair  trial  for  any  offense  involving  suspen- 
sion or  expulsion.  No  member  shall  be  put 
upon  trial  unless  charges  duly  specifying 
the  offenses  are  made  so  as  to  fully  apprise 
him  of  the  nature  thereof,  and  to  enable 
him  to  prepare  for  his  defense.  It  shall  be 
brought  in  writing,  and  signed  by  a  member 
of  this  Union  making  such  charge  or  charges. 

Sec.  3.  Such  charge  shall  be  referred  to  a 
Committee  of  Five  Members,  in  good  stand- 
ing, who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  presiding 
officer,  who  shall,  without  delay,  summon 
the  party  and  try  the  case.  And  they  shall 
keep  full  minutes  of  the  proceedings,  the 
evidence,  pro  and  con,  which  they  shall  re- 
port to  the  Union,  forthwith,  together  with 
their  decision  on  the  charge,  which  the  Un- 
ion shall  confirm  or  not,  as  the  majority 
shall  determine. 

'The  accused  shall  have  the  right  to  appeal 
to  the  Eiecutice  Board  of  the  Western  Fed- 
eration of  Miners  and  from  that  body  to 
the  ensuing  Convention. 

Sec.  4.  If  the  accused  shall  neglect  or  re- 
fuse to  stand  his  trial  when  duly  summoned, 
the  Committee  shall  report  him  "guilty," 
which  report  shall  be  final 

-7  — 


ARTICLE  Vn 

iSection  1,  This  Constitution  shall  not  be 
altered  nor  amended,  except  at  a  reg"ular 
meeting  of  the  Union,  and  with  concurrence 
of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present. 
Notice  of  the  intended  alteration  or  amend- 
ment must  be  given  in  writing,  at  a  meet- 
ing two  weeks  prior  to  the  action  of  the 
Union  thereon. 


—  8- 


BY-LAWS 


ARTICLE   I 

Meetings 

Section  1.  The  regular  meetings  of  this 
Union  shall  be  held  on  Friday  evening-  of 
each  week;  and  the  Standing  Committee 
shall  meet  whenever  called  upon  by  the 
President  or  notified  by  him  through  the 
Secretary. 

Hour  of  Meeting 

Sec.  2.  The  hour  of  meeting  of  this  Un- 
ion shall  be  at  7  o'clock  p.  m.,  from  the  1st 
of  October  to  the  1st  of  April,  and  at  7:30 
o'clock  p.  m.,  from  the  1st  of  April  to  the 
1st  of  October. 

Meeting  to  Order 

Sec.  3.  At  the  hour  of  meeting,  if  a  quor- 
um be  present,  the  Prisident  shall  call  the 
meeting  to  order  by  three  raps  of  his  gavel, 
wh-en  the  Union  shall  proceed  to  business. 

Quorum 

Sec.  4.  Ten  members  shall  constitute  a 
quorum,  including  the  officers  of  the  Union. 

ARTICLE   11 

Duty  of  the   President 

iSection  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
President  to   preside  at   all   meetings  of  the 

—  9- 


Union,  preserve  order,  enforce  the  Constitu- 
tion and  By-Laws,  and  watch  vigilantly 
over  the  interests  and  affairs  of  the  Union. 
In  this  he  shall  be  assisted  by  all  the  officers 
of  the  Union.  He  shall  decide  all  questions 
of  order,  subject  to  appeal  to  the  Union.  He 
shall  have  the  right  to  vote  at  the  election 
of  officers,  and  when  the  members  are  equal- 
ly divided,  he  shall  have  the  casting  vote  on 
any  question.  He  shall  sign  all  orders 
drawn  on  the  Treasurer,  as  shall  be  ordered 
to  be  paid  by  the  Recording  Secretary,  in 
compliance  with  a  vote  of  the  majority  of 
all  the  members  present  at  any  stated  meet- 
ing. He  shall  have  the  power  to  call  meet- 
ings whenever  he  deems  it  necessary,  or 
when  required  by  twenty  or  more  members 
in  writing,  and  perform  such  other  duties 
as^  the  Union  may  require.  The  Presidenc 
shall  take  no  part  in  any  debate  while  in 
the  chair,  but  may  call  the  Vice-President 
to  the  chair  when  he  wishes  to  discuss  any 
question. 

He  shall  receive  four  ($4.00)  dollars  lor 
each  day  lost  in  attending  funerals  or  ether 
work  of  the  Union.  He  .shall  within  one  month 
after  election  appoint  a  Safety  Committee, 
consisting  of  not  less  than  five  (5)  members 
of  the  Union  in  good  standing  at  the  time 
of  their  appointment,  whose  names  shall  be 
known  only  to  the  Vice-President  and  »Sec- 
retary. 

Duty  of  the  Vice-President 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Vice- 
President  to  assist  the  President  to  preserve 
order  at  all  meetings,  to  assist  the  President 

-10- 


in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties,  preside 
during  his  absence,  and  perform  then  all  the 
duties  devolving  upon  the   President. 

Duty  of  the  Secretary 

Sec.  3.  The  Secretary  shall  accurately 
keep  on  record  the  minutes  of  the  proceed- 
ing's of  each  meeting  of  the  Union.  He  shall 
issue  all  summons  and  notices  required,  fur- 
nish the  Treasurer  with  all  warrants  author- 
izing drafts  on  him,  with  his  signature  and 
that  of  the  presiding  officer  attached  there- 
to; notify  all  committees  of  their  oppoint- 
ment,  and  the  subject  referred  to  theiii;  he 
shall  keep  just  and  accurate  accounts  be- 
tween the  Union  and  its  Members;  he  shall 
receive  all  initiation  fees,  dues,  fines  and 
assessments,  and  all  other  moneys,  and  pay 
over  the  sam.e  to  the  Treasurer  at  the  next 
regular  meeting  taking  his  receipt  therefor. 
He  -shall  notify  through  the  Postoffice  or 
otherwise,  all  Members  who  are  more  than 
two  months  in  arrears  for  dues,  or  who  owe 
one  dollar  or  more  for  fines  or  assessments, 
and  if  such  Members  fail  to  place  them- 
selves in  good  standing  at  the  expiration  of 
two  weeks,  their  names  shall  be  read  in 
open  meeting.  He  shall  at  all  times  have  his 
books  prepared  for  investigation  by  the 
Trustees  and  Finance  Committee.  He  shall 
be  present  in  the  Hall  to  receive  the  moneys 
due  the  Union,  and  act  as  Librarian  be- 
tween the  hours  of  6  p.  m.  and  8  p.  m.  on 
the  first  six  days  of  each  month,  (Sundays 
excepted)  and  on  meeting  nights  he  shall 
be  present  in  the  Hall  at  least  one  hour  be- 
fore the  hour  of  meeting.     He  shall  perform 

—  11  — 


in  addition  to  the  duties  required  of  him  as 
Secretary  by  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws 
the  duties  of  Janitor  of  the  Hall,  the  last 
named  duty  to  be  performed  under  the  sup- 
ervision of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  The  Sec- 
retary shall  receive  for  all  the  services 
herein  enumerated,  the  sum  of  $60.00  per 
month.  He  shall  report  quarterly  in  writing 
and  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office, 
turn  over  all  books,  papers,  and  property 
belonging  to  the  Union  to  his  successor  in 
office. 

Duty  of  Treasurer 

Sec.  4.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  from 
the  Secretary  all  moneys  collected  by  him 
and  he  shall  receipt  for  the  same,  pay  all 
warrants  ordered  drawn  on  him  by  a  vote  of 
the  Union,  attested  by  the  signatures  of  the 
presiding  officer  and  the  Secretary,  together 
with  the  seal  of  the  Union. 

He  shall  have  his  accounts  open  for  in- 
spection by  the  Finance  Committee  or  the 
Board   of  Trustees,   whenever  required. 

He  shall  report  quarterly  in  writing  to  the 
Union  of  all  his  transactions.  At  the  end 
of  his  term  he  shall  turn  over  to  his  suc- 
cessor in  office  all  funds  in  his  possession 
belonging  to  the  Union.  He  shall  receive  ten 
dollars  per  month  for  his  services. 

Official  Bonds 

iSec.  5.  The  Secretary  and  Treasurer 
shall  each  execute  a  good  and  sufficient 
bond  to  the  Union  for  the  faithful  perform- 
ance of  their  duties,  whenever  required  by 
the  Union,  the  cost  of  such  bond,  if  any,  to 

—  12  — 


be  defrayed  out  of  the  funds  of  the     organi- 
zation. 

Duty  of  the  Warden 

Sec.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Warden 
to  take  charge  of  the  door  of  the  Union, 
and  see  that  none  but  members  enter  the 
rooms  of  the  Union,  and  that  no  member 
passes  out  without  permission  of  the  Presi- 
dent. 

Duties  of  Conductors 

Sec.  7.  The  Conductor  shall  examine 
every  person  in  the  room  prior  to  opening, 
see  that  he  is  correct  in  the  password;  re- 
port to  the  President  all  those  not  correct. 
He  shall  report  the  names  of  all  candidates 
waiting  for  initiation,  and  introduce  them 
to  the  President  when  so  instructed,  and  per- 
form such  other  duties  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  comfort  of  candidates  and  members. 

Duty  of  the  Finance  Committee 

Sec.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Finance  to  audit  all  books,  ac- 
counts and  vouchers  of  the  several  officers 
oi  this  Union,  at  the  end  of  every  three 
months,  and  report  to  the  Union.  Said  re- 
port shall  be  read  by  the  Secretary,  and  by 
him  placed  on  file,  after  being  sanctioned  by 
a  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  members  pres- 
ent. 

The  Finance  Committee  shall  report  for 
the  term  for  which  they  were  elected.  The 
members  of  the  Committee  shall  be  subjecl 
to  a  fine  of  (SOc)  fifty  cents  for  neglecting 
to  make  their  quarterly  report. 

-13- 


Duties  of  the  Trustees 

■Section  9.  It  shall  ibe  the  duty  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  to  take  charge  of  all 
property  of  the  Union,  collect  rents  and  pay 
the  same  over  to  the  Se<jretary. 

Th€y  shall  receive  from  the  Treasurer 
such  sums  of  money  as  the  Union  may  de- 
termine and  deposit  the  same  in  the  bank, 
subject  to  a  majority  vote  of  the  Union,  and 
no  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall 
be  interested  directly  or  indirectly  in  any 
work  or  contract  performed  on  account  of 
the  Union.  Any  member  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  who  shall  be  so  interested,  shall 
on  proof  of  the  same  being  furnished  the 
Union,  forfeit  his  office,  and  no  bills  outside 
of  the  regularly  authorized  ones  shall  be  al- 
lowed bv  the  Union  without  the  signatures 
of  a  majority  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 

They  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as 
the  best  interests  of  the  Union  may  dictate 
or  a  majority  of  the  same  may  determine. 
At  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  office, 
they  shall  turn  over  tc»  their  successors,  all 
property  and  books  belonging  to  the  Union. 

Duty  of  the  Committee  of  Attendance 

Sec.  10.  The  President  shall  at  the  last 
regular  meeting  in  each  month,  name  twenty 
members  in  good  standing,  alphabetically 
from  the  roll  of  the  Union,  who  shall  serve 
as  a  Committee  of  Attendance,  to  help  to 
transact  the  business  of  the  Union,  for  the 
month  succeeding  their  appointment.  Any 
member  of  this  Committee  absenting  him- 
self from  any  regular  meeting  of  the  Union, 
for  that  month,  after  being  duly  chosen  and 

—  14- 


notified,  shall  be  fined  the  sum  of  fifty  cents 
for  each  absence.  No  member  acting  for 
one  month  on  this  Comtmittee  •shall  again 
be  chosen  until  all  members  of  the  Union 
shall  have  served  in  their  turn.  Sickness 
of  self  or  family,  being  absent  at  work,  or 
out  of  tow^n,  shall  be  deemed  a  legal  excuse. 
The  Secretary  is  required  to  call  th-e  roll  of 
attendance  at  each  meeting  and  note  the 
absentees. 

ARTICLE   III 
Election   of   Officers 

Section  1.  The  election  of  officers  shall 
be  by  ballot,  and  shall  be  held  on  the  first 
Friday  of  June  and  December  of  each  year 
at  a  regular  me-eting.  It  shall  require  a 
majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  to  elect,  and 
should  there  be  no  election  on  the  first  bal- 
lot, all  but  the  two  highest  shall  be  dropped. 

'Sec.  2.  Nominations  shall  be  open  for  the 
three  regular  meetings  prior  to  election.  The 
presiding  oflicer  shall  instruct  the  Secre- 
tary and  appoint  a  member  to  assist  him  to 
examine  the  accounts  of  all  members  placed 
in  nomination  for  any  office  in  the  Union, 
and  no  member  shall  receive  a  nomination 
unless  he  is  in  good  standing  thirty  days 
prior  to  election  day.  The  President  shall 
appoint  two  Tellers  to  conduct  the  election, 
who  shall  count  the  votes  cast,  and  report 
the  same  to  the  President,  who  shall  then 
declare  the  result  to  the  Union.  'Should  a 
tie  vote  occur  the  presiding  oflicer  is  hereby 
empowered  to  cast  the  deciding  vote. 

—  15- 


Sec.  3.  In  case  of  there  being  no  contest 
for  the  different  offices,  the  Secretary  may- 
cast  the  ballot  of  the  Union  for  the  Offi- 
cers reg-ularly  nominated,  and  the  President 
i?hall  then  declare  said  Officers  duly  elected. 
The  Officers  elect  shall  not  be  installed  un- 
til the  first  regular  meeting  of  July  and 
January  succeeding  their  election.  The  Sec- 
retary is  required  to  forward  the  names  of 
all  Officers  elected  to  the  Secretary- Treas- 
urer  of   the    Western   Federation   of   Miners. 

ARTICLE  IV 

Special    Committees 

Section  1.  The  President  shall  appoint  all 
Committees  not  herein  provided  for,  and  fill 
all  vacan'cies:  but  such  appointment  shall 
be  subject  to  approval  by  the  Union. 

ARTICLE  V 

Dues    and    Assessments 

Section  1.  Every  member  of  this  Union 
(except  those  on  the  Honorary  [Roll)  shall 
pay  Seventy- five  (7'5c)  cents  per  month 
dues,  and  such  assessments  as  shall  be 
levied  by  a  two -thirds  vote  of  all  the  mem- 
bers present  at  a  regular  meeting.  Provid- 
ed, That  all  motions  to  levy  assessments 
shall  lie  over  at  least  one  week  before  final 
action  shall  be  taken  thereon. 

ARTICLE  VI 

Penalties    (Officers) 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  Of- 
ficers to  attend  the  regular  meetings  of  the 

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Union,  Any  Officer  absenting-  himself  from 
roll-call,  for  Fix  consecutive  meetings,  with- 
out a  leg^al  excuse,  shall  forfeit  his  office. 

Fines    (Committees) 

Sec.  2.  Any  member  who  shall  be  ap- 
pointed on  a  Committee  and  neglects  to  per- 
form his  duty,  shall  be  fined  fifty  cents. 

Fines    (Officers) 

Sec.  3.  Th;^  Secretary,  'Treasurer  and 
each  member  of  the  Finance  Committee 
shall  each  be  subject  to  a  fine  of  fifty  (50c) 
cents  for  neglecting  to  make  their  quarterly 
reports. 

Fines    (Intoxication) 

S-ec.  4.  If  any  member  of  this  Union  en- 
ters this  room  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  or 
use  profane  languag-e  during  any  session  of 
this  Union,  he  shall  be  expelled  from  the 
room  for  the  evening,  and  fined  one  dollar 
for  each  and  every  offense. 

Secrecy 

Sec.  5.  If  any  member  of  this  Union  di- 
vulge the  name  of  any  member  or  members, 
or  any  of  the  business  or  proceedings,  or 
think  proper  to  divulge  the  name  of  a  mem- 
ber who  shall  speak  against  any  candidate 
proposed  for  mjembership,  or  make  public 
any  of  the  passwords,  grips  or  signs  of  this 
Union,  he  or  they  may  be  expelled. 

Excuses 

Sec.  6.  Any  member  fined  for  neglect  of 
duty,   may    present   an    excuse    in    person   or 


in  writing",  and  if  the  Union  deems  it  a  legal 
excuse,  his  fine  ma:/  be  remitted,  and  no 
excuses  shall  be  received  from  any  officer 
or  member,  except  the  one  fined  for  such 
neglect  of  duty. 

Violation  of  Laws 

Sec.  7.  Any  brother  knowing*  any  mem- 
ber to  break  any  section  of  the  Constitution 
or  By-laws,  it  will  )>e  his  duty  to  report  the 
same  at  the  next  regular  meeting.  In  de- 
fault thereof,  he  or  they  shall  be  dealt  with 
as  the  Union  may  determine. 

Sec.  8.  Should  it  be  discovered  that  any 
member  has  knowlingly  cast  an  illegal  vote, 
he  shall  be  fined  five  dollars. 

ARTICLE  VII 

Jurisdiction   of  the    Union 

Section  1.  That  all  persons  working  un- 
derground in  whatever  capacity  shall  be  sub- 
ject to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Miners'  Union. 
Foreman  and  Mechanics  going  under  ground 
to  do  special  work  are  exempted  if  they  so 
desire. 

ARTICLE  VIM 

Good    Standing 

Section  1.  No  memtoer  two  months  in  ar- 
rears for  dues,  shall  be  considered  a  mem- 
ber in  good  standing  nor  can  he  vote  on 
any  question.  Any  member  who  is  6  months 
or  over  in  arrears  for  dues  shall  be  consid- 
ered a  non-member,  and  will  be  treated  as 
such. 

—  18  — 


Sec.  2.  lAll  fines  and  assessments  to  the 
amount  of  one  ($1.00)  dollar  or  over  shall 
be  paid  on  or  before  the  expiration  of  thirty 
days.  Any  member  whose  fines  or  assess- 
ments remain  unpaid  at  the  end  of  thirty 
days  becomes  in  bad  standing  to  the  Union. 
All  members  owing  the  Union  the  sum  of 
three  ($3.00)  dollars  for  fines  or  assessments 
shall  become  non-members,  and  as  such  will 
be   treated  accordingly. 

ARTICLE  IX 

Penalties 

Section  1.  Any  brother  who  shall  will- 
fully bring  a  false  or  mialicious  charge 
against  a  brother,  or  shall  knowingly  pro- 
pose an  unworthy  candidate  for  member- 
ship, shall  be  held  liable  to  any  penalty  at 
the  discretion  of  this   Union. 

Funeral    Benefit 

Sec,  2.  On  the  death  of  a  member  in 
good  standing,  the  sum  of  eighty  dollars 
shall  be  allowed  as  a  funeral  benefit. 

A  member  in  case  of  death  to  be  consid- 
ered in  good  standing  if  he  is  clear  of  finan- 
cial charges  on  the  bocks  of  the  Union.  Pay- 
ment of  arrearages  after  a  member  becomes 
sick  or  meets  with  an  accident,  which  may 
result  in  his  death,  shall  not  be  considered 
as  having  been  made  in  good  faith  and  in 
such  cases  no  funeral  benefit  shall  be  allow- 
ed. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  memher  of 
the  Union  to  report  the  names  of  those  who 
may  become  sick   or   injured  to  the   i>egular 

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meetings  of  the  Union,  and  the  Secretary 
shall  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge  and  un- 
derstanding report  at  every  weekly  meeting 
the  condition   of  those   sick   or   injured. 

Sec.  3.  In  the  absence  of  a  competent  re- 
lative, the  President  shall  apply  sufficient 
of  the  amount  for  burial  expenses  and  if 
any  remain,  it  shall  be  returned  to  the 
Union,  together  with  the  receipts  for  the 
expenses. 

Funerals 

Sec.  4.  The  burial  of  deceased  members 
shall  be  under  the  supervision  of  the  Presi- 
dent, assisted  by  the  subordinate  officers  of 
the  Union.  He  shall  advertise  the  time  and 
place  of  each  funeral  in  at  least  one  daily 
paper  of  the  city. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  mem- 
bers of  the  Union  to  attend  funerals  upon 
notice  from  the  President,  and  assist  in 
escorting  the  remains  to  the  cemetery,  Pro- 
vided, the   weather  is  not  too  severe. 

ARTICLE  X 
Reinstatement 

Section  1.  Every  applicant  for  reinstate* 
ment,  working  underground,  shall  be  pra- 
posed  by  one  member  and  vouched  for  by 
another,  he  shall  pay  five  ($5.00)  dollars  fee, 
two  months  dues  and  sign  the  Constitution 
and  By-L/aws.  It  shall  require  a  majority 
vote  to  elect.  Those  not  working  under 
ground  shall  be  elected  by  a  two-thirds  ma- 
jority. 


S-ec.  2.  All  persons  depositing-  withdirawal 
and  transfer  cards,  shall,  upon  their  accept- 
ance, sign  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws. 

Secret    Ballot 

Sec.  3.  The  President  shall  on  demand  ol 
five  or  more  members  order  a  secret  ballot 
upon  any  question  coming-  before  the  Union. 

All  laws,  resolutions  or  enactments  not 
herein  enumerated  in  this  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  (except  those  so  specified  in  the 
report  of  the  Committee  of  Revision)  are 
hereby  declared  null  and  void. 

ARTICLE  XI 
How  Amend    By-Laws 

Section  1.  These  By-Laws  ma.y  be 
amended  by  a  vote  of  two- thirds  of  the 
members  present  at  a  reglar  meeting  of  the 
Union,  provided  that  notice  in  writing  be 
given  two  weeks  previous  to  the  action  of 
the  Union  thereon. 


RULES  OF  ORDER 


No.  1.  During  the  continuance  of  the 
meeting,  silence  must  be  observed — the  of- 
ficers and  members  retaining  their  respec- 
tive seats,  and  no  one  leaving  the  room 
without  the  permission  of  the  President  or 
Vice-President. 

No.  2.  No  memiber  shall,  by  conversation 
or  otherwise,  interrupt  the  business  of  the 
Union,  or  refuse  to  obey  the  chair. 

No.  '3.  The  President,  while  presiding, 
will  state  every  question  coming  before  the 
Union,  and  immediately  before  putting  it  to 
a  vote  shall  ask:  "Are  you  ready  for  the 
question?"  Should  no  memiber  rise  to  speak, 
or  by  silence  indicate  their  readiness,  he 
shall  rise  to  take  the  question;  and  after  he 
has  risen  no  member  shall  be  permitted  to 
speak  upon  it.  He  shall  pronounce  the  re- 
sult or  decision  of  the  Union  upon  all  sub- 
jects. 

No.  4.  'Every  member  when  he  speaks, 
or  offers  a  motion,  shall  rise  and  respect- 
fully address  the  presiding  officer.  While 
speaking,  he  shall  confine  himself  to  the 
qufctstion  under  debate,  avoiding  all  person- 
ality and  indecorous  language,  as  well  as 
any  reflection  upon  the  Union  or  its  mem- 
bers. 

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No.  5.  Should  two  or  more  members  rise 
to  speak  at  the  same  time,  the  Chair  shall 
decide  who  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 

No.  6.  No  member  shall  disturb  another 
in  his  speech,  unless  to  call  him  to  order  for 
words  spoken. 

No.  7.  If  a  member,  while  speaking,  shall 
be  called  to  order  at  the  request  of  the 
Chair,  he  shall  cease  speaking  and  take  his 
seat  until  the  question  of  order  is  determiin- 
ed.  when  if  permitted,  he  may  ag-ain  pro- 
ceed. 

No.  8.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than 
once  on  the  same  question  until  all  the 
mt,mbers  wishing  to  speak  shall  have  had 
an  opportunity  to  do  so,  nor  more  than 
twice  without  permission  of  the   Chair. 

No.  9.  When  any  commiunication,  peti- 
tion, or  memorial  is  presented,  before  it  is 
read,  a  briof  statement  of  its  contents  shall 
be   made   by  the   introducer   to  the   Chair. 

No.  10.  No  motion  shall  be  subject  to 
action  unless  seconded,  and  stated  by  the 
Chair. 

No.  11.  Any  member  may  call  for  a  di- 
vision of  a  question  when  the  sense  will 
admit  of  it. 

No.  12.  When  a  question  is  before  the 
Union,  no  motion  shall  be  received  unless 
to  adjourn,  the  previous  question,  to  lay  on 
the  table,  to  postpone  indefinitely,  to  post- 
pone to  a  certain  time,   to  refer,   to  amend, 

—  23  — 


and  shall  have  precedence  in  the  order  here- 
in arranged,  the  three  first  of  which  shall 
be  decided  without  debate. 

No.  13.  After  any  question,  except  one 
of  indefinite  pcstponement  has  been  decided, 
any  two  members  who  voted  in  the  majority 
rrjay,  at  the  same  meeting  m.ove  for  a  recon- 
sideration thereof. 

No.  14.  Members  present  can  vote  on  any 
question  before  the  Union,  provided  they 
are  in  good  standing. 

No.  15.  No  amendment  shall  be  received 
except  it  be  in  writing. 

No.  16.  All  questions  not  provided  for  by 
the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  Rules  of  Order, 
or  by  the  general  laws  of  the  Union,  shall 
be  determined  by  a  majority  of  the  members 
at  a  regular  meeting. 

No.  17.  These  rules  may  be  suspended  for 
a  special  purpose  by  a  vote  of  two- thirds  of 
the  members  present. 


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